“It’s a watercolor she did when she was eighteen. She gave it to Kathleen as a thank-you for having her to stay. I admired it, and Kathleen left it to me. I love the colors. It’s like bringing part of the beach indoors.”

“Sky would be proud to know you love it enough to hang it on your wall.” Emily wrapped it carefully. “I know it meant a lot that Kathleen believed in her. Whenever we stayed, she made sure Sky had a place to paint. Her own parents didn’t do that for her. They thought her artistic talents detracted from what was important in life.” She slid the painting carefully into the box. “She comes from a family of lawyers, and they wanted her to be a lawyer, too.”

Agnes handed her a piece of tape. “The job of a parent is to nurture and guide, not kill dreams. What about you? What was your dream?”

“There wasn’t any room in my life for dreams.”

“And now?”

Something in the way Agnes was looking at her made her wonder if she’d guessed.

“I find it safer to focus on reality.” Emily kept her eyes down, closed the box and secured it with tape. “I’m going to find a house that will be a good home for us. Then think about work. There’s a property vacant on Harbor Road, not far from Summer Scoop. I’m thinking of maybe opening a boutique gift shop with a beach theme.” The idea had come to her in the night, and she’d felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. Instead of helping with other people’s businesses, why not start her own? “I want to sell everything from jewelry to shells and maybe small pieces for the home. I have to run some numbers. Ask a few questions. Do you think it’s a crazy idea?”

“I think it’s a good idea.” Agnes pushed another empty box toward her, and together they filled it while Emily waited for another text from Ryan telling them it was safe to go home. It never came. Instead, he came himself, taking the steps to Harbor House two at a time as the last ferry of the day sailed out into the bay on its journey across to the mainland.

Emily watched his approach from the large bay window and wondered if there was ever going to be a time when she could look at him and not want him.

Seeing him made her light-headed, as if she’d walked from darkness into the full glare of sunlight.

Fortunately she had herself under control by the time he walked into the room, and he answered her question before she asked it.